What is hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy?
Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSR) is an effective and safe treatment for brain metastases greater than 3 cm, not amenable to single high-dose RS (5, 6). Patients with brain metastases from ‘radioresistant’ tumors (i.e. sarcoma, metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma) have a poor prognosis.
What are the side effects of SBRT for prostate cancer?
The most common side effect of SBRT is urinary irritation (feelings of both frequency and urgency). Some patients may also experience a weaker stream. “These symptoms usually go away a few weeks after SBRT, and patients typically return to baseline function within six months,” says Dr. Tendulkar.
How long does it take to recover from SBRT radiation?
In most cases, radiosurgery and SBRT patients can resume all of their normal activities within one or two days. Side effects of radiation treatment include problems that occur as a result of the treatment itself as well as from radiation damage to healthy cells in the treatment area.
How long has SBRT been used for prostate cancer?
Healthcare professionals have used SBRT since 2000, so it’s a relatively new treatment compared with conventional radiation therapy. It uses advanced computer technology to deliver concentrated levels of radiation to affected regions of the prostate gland. SBRT requires only 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.
What is the difference between SBRT and IMRT?
Compared with the more standard intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), SBRT is technologically more intensive2,3 and delivers higher doses of radiation per treatment, with an entire course of treatment delivered in up to five visits.
How successful is stereotactic radiosurgery?
SBRT has shown dramatically better outcomes than conventional radiation therapy. Whereas two-year success rates for conventional treatment range from 30 to 40 percent, the success rates for SBRT range from 80 to 90 percent — comparable to those of resection surgery but with far fewer risks.
How effective is stereotactic radiosurgery?
The precision of stereotactic radiosurgery means there’s minimal damage to the healthy surrounding tissues. In most cases, radiosurgery has a lower risk of side effects compared with other types of traditional surgery or radiation therapy.